By any measure, Now We Know! arrives at exactly the right moment. In a media landscape saturated with fast content, algorithmic noise, and surface-level explanations, the series offers something increasingly rare: thoughtful, curiosity-driven storytelling that gives audiences real insights into the organizations shaping the world around them.
At the helm is Will Barnes, Executive Producer and founder of WBC Productions, whose passion for educational storytelling spans more than two decades. With Now We Know!, Barnes set out to create a series that informs without condescension, engages without gimmicks, and elevates both the subject matter and the people behind it.
“The idea was to create a format that serves everyone involved,” Barnes explains. “The organizations, the audience, and the story itself.” Having seen firsthand how powerful educational storytelling can be when it’s done well, Barnes envisioned a platform that allows organizations to share what they do—and why it matters—in a way that feels credible, meaningful, and accessible.
That philosophy sits squarely at the core of WBC Productions. Known for its narrative craftsman and high production standards, the company has built a reputation for making people feel comfortable on camera which is an essential ingredient for authentic storytelling. “We firmly believe that when people feel at ease, the message comes through more clearly,” Barnes says. “That’s when real connection happens.”
It was also a response to what Barnes saw as a gap in the marketplace. “We’ve seen some low quality projects on television,” he notes. “We knew that exceptional quality could raise the bar in this space — and that felt like our responsibility.”
A key element in bringing Now We Know! to life was finding the right host, someone capable of connecting with audiences across backgrounds and interests. The choice, Barnes says, was obvious.
“When we were looking for a host who could connect with everybody, we instantly thought of Steve Guttenberg.” The legendary actor brings a unique blend of warmth, charisma, and genuine curiosity to the program. “He is also just an exceptional human being,” Barnes adds. “Seeing how he stepped up during the Palisades fires in California really reinforced that. His sincerity comes through in every episode. Everybody loves Steve!”
For first-time viewers, the goal of Now We Know! is simple but ambitious: education, first and foremost. Each episode introduces new topics in an engaging, approachable way, offering viewers a deeper understanding of industries and organizations that quietly influence everyday life. “Our world is constantly changing,” Barnes says, “and organizations are shaping that change. It’s important for the public to understand these topics beyond the small glimpses they get on social media.”
That depth is precisely why the show is resonating so strongly right now. As Barnes sees it, audiences are craving authenticity. “In a landscape dominated by AI and algorithm-driven content, it’s become harder to hear directly from real experts,” he explains. Now We Know! creates space for industry leaders to speak in their own words, without filters—and that direct connection is powerful.
The audience response has exceeded expectations. Barnes admits he’s been overwhelmed by how well the series has been received, particularly given past attempts by other programs to tackle similar concepts. “What’s been most rewarding is the level of engagement from both viewers and participants,” he says. “There’s real enthusiasm and growing demand for this kind of content.”
For Barnes, the success of Now We Know! is also deeply personal. Educational storytelling has been a through-line since his first documentary over 20 years ago, and the series reflects a broader vision shaped by years of experience. “I’ve gained insight into how many industries quietly shape our everyday lives,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to have that perspective, and this show is about sharing it with a wider audience in a compelling, approachable way.”
Bringing the series to life wasn’t without challenges. Barnes notes that the industry can carry misconceptions, with high-quality productions sometimes unfairly grouped alongside less credible projects. “We’re a team of seasoned creative producers with decades of experience,” he says. “These projects deliver real value, but because the quality and reach are so strong, some organizations initially think it sounds too good to be true.” The lesson, he adds, has been the importance of transparency, trust, and long-term partnership.
What truly sets Now We Know! apart is WBC Productions’ end-to-end involvement. From production through distribution, the team maintains full oversight, ensuring both quality and reach. The relationships don’t end when filming wraps. “Many of our partnerships are long-term,” Barnes says. “We take pride in growing alongside the organizations we work with.”
As for what’s next, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. Demand for Now We Know! currently exceeds capacity, which is a challenge Barnes embraces with careful optimism. “We’re focused on scaling thoughtfully,” he says, “so we can tell more stories without compromising quality.”
In an era hungry for substance, Now We Know! stands as a reminder that education, when paired with authenticity and craftsmanship, doesn’t just inform—it inspires. And for Will Barnes and WBC Productions, that’s exactly the point.
